 |
|
Handling Claims Involving Tree and Shrub Losses
Tree related claims can be very expensive to settle and are often inaccurately adjusted because either: 1) physical evidence is prematurely removed, or 2) experts are not consulted to certify the loss. This guide will outline how to properly handle a claim involving damaged or destroyed trees and shrubs.
Facts:
- Claims involving tree losses are increasing due to the creation of enhanced landscape coverage in both commercial and residential policies, environmental and climate changes, and increased recognition that trees have value.
- Knowing what actions to take immediately after a tree loss is reported will assist you in successfully and accurately resolving these claims.
Below are the steps HMI recommends all adjusters follow to ensure that the damage can be properly documented and coverage for the loss accurately determined. Failure to follow these steps may make it impossible to confidently adjust a claim.
HMI will also be sending you an invitation to attend upcoming training Webinars on adjusting for tree losses.
Steps you take when you receive a claim involving tree losses:
- Request that the insured does not remove the trees that are being claimed. Property owners are often eager to clean up their property, particularly on commercial properties.
- Inspect the loss location as soon as possible. Have a certified arborist accompany you on the inspection. The arborist will inventory each damaged or destroyed tree. They will be able to determine the cause of damage and if the trees are destroyed, or can be restored. If they are destroyed, the arborist can document each tree's type (genus/species), height and diameter so that a replacement cost value can be accurately collected.
- When doing the inspection have an arborist determine if the trees being claimed were dead or dying prior to the date of loss - this may impact coverage.
- When doing the inspection, map the location of the trees as some policies will provide coverage for trees that are in managed areas only.
- If an arborist isn't available to inventory the site for you, have the insured provide a location map for each tree being claimed, photographs of the trees (close ups of the damaged area, leaves and bark will assist in using the photos for proof/cause of loss analysis and identification purposes) and an inventory list of each damaged or destroyed tree including genus, species, height and diameter.
- Request a replacement cost report for the destroyed trees and shrubs from the arborist.
HMI's  Services can assist you in resolving a tree claim in a time and cost efficient manner. We have purposed our services to serve the insurance industry and will be able to provide you with any service you may require when adjusting a claim involving tree and landscape losses, such as: - Cost analysis of destroyed or damaged trees
- Proof of loss and cause of loss reports
- Accurate inventory of damaged or dead trees and shrubs
- Subrogation reports
- Estimate reviews
- Replacement of plant material
- Emergency tree removals
|
|
About HMI
HMI is the only national provider of comprehensive tree and landscaping services that include emergency tree removals; standardized health inspections and average replacement cost analysis of trees for insurance, accounting and legal purposes; tree preservation services; and customized reports and inventories of landscaping. For more information, please visit HMI's web site at www.HMIadvantage.com or call (866) 937-6468. |
